Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Na’im Mokhtar said he declined the invitation out of respect for everyone’s views.

Na’im also refused to comment on Asri’s criticisms against him, which included the interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, whose doctrine is based on the al-Asyairah and al-Maturidiah schools of thought.

He said he respected everyone’s opinions as every person has their own views.

“I respect that, so I have no comments,” he said after attending a Perak state-level seminar held at Politeknik Ungku Omar in Ipoh today, Berita Harian reported.

He said Muslims were divided because of differences of opinion that were not managed properly.

On Oct 14, Asri, popularly known as Dr Maza, extended an invitation to the religious affairs minister to hold a dialogue on the mufti bill.

He said the dialogue could be held on a government media platform to allow people to judge Na’im’s capabilities as the minister in charge of Islamic affairs.

Asri also said the religious affairs minister should promote an agenda of inclusiveness and moderation in line with the Madani concept.